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Continental Prairie Community Health Center reopens Junction City clinic, adds food pantry and expands Manhattan services
Summary
Continental Prairie Community Health Center told the commission its Junction City clinic completed renovations funded by HRSA ARP and a Community Care Network grant; the clinic opened a concept closet food pantry that has distributed roughly £13,000 in food since 2023 and plans to add behavioral health services in January.
Dani Hallgren of the Continental Prairie Community Health Center updated the commission on facility renovations and service changes at the Junction City clinic. Hallgren said work that began in January of last year concluded with a ribbon cutting about six weeks ago and included a pharmacy modification, improved medical check-in, new flooring and lighting. The renovation also converted a former radiology closet into a dedicated "concept closet" offering food, clothing, hygiene supplies and home medical equipment.
Hallgren told the commission the closet has distributed about £13,000 of food since opening in 2023, of which roughly £11,000 was fresh fruits and vegetables; she credited staff dietitians for focusing on nutritious offerings and asked the public to support donation drives at upcoming community events. She said the Junction City renovations used the last of the Health Resources and Services Administration American Rescue Plan funds and a capital improvement grant from the Community Care Network of Kansas to add a pharmacy to a new Manhattan location, which will also relieve capacity pressure at the Junction City clinic.
The health center has increased clinical space in Manhattan (from ~2,5100 sq ft to just under 10,000 sq ft, per the transcript) and doubled medical and dental providers at locations the presenter described as necessary to expand access. Hallgren said behavioral health services will be added on-site in January to further address community needs. She invited the commission to visit the food pantry and announced the Jingle Mingle donation drive at the Opera House on December 5 as an opportunity to contribute.
Commissioners thanked the presenter for the update and offered logistical support for donation storage and volunteer help where possible.
